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Piras M, Coni P, Piludu M, Coni S, Lachowicz JI, Jaremko M, Faa G, Cau F, Scano A, Orrù G, Murru R, Pichiri G. Human breast milk cells are positive for the pioneer transcription factor ISL1. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:8842-8849. [PMID: 37782193 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202309_33804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE ISL1 is a pioneer transcription factor that plays important roles in cell lineage specification and differentiation, by programming the epigenome and recruiting additional regulatory factors. The aim of this study is to determine whether the human breastmilk contains ISL1-positive stem cells, and, if so, to describe the subcellular localization of ISL1. MATERIALS AND METHODS Breast milk was obtained from fourteen healthy females during the first 2-6 months of lactation. Cell morphology was examined in the breast milk with the automatic ThinPrep® processor (Hologic® Inc.) in commercial Cytological ThinPrep® solution (Hologic® Inc.), followed by standard immunohistochemical staining of ISL1. RESULTS ISL1 had a granular diffuse cytoplasmic localization, with varying intensity of staining in both single and grouped cells. Nuclear staining was also present, as was staining of intracellular and extracellular vesicles with ISL1 antibody. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results suggest that ISL1 could distinguish a readily available source of putative stem cells in human breast milk. These stem cells may complete the network created between the mother and the newborn during gestation, thereby improving the efficiency of programming and reprogramming postnatal events.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Gerosa C, Cerrone G, Suri JS, Aimola V, Cau F, Coni P, Piras M, Cau R, Balestrieri A, Scano A, Orrù G, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Gibo Y, Fanni D, Saba L. The human carotid atherosclerotic plaque: an observational review of histological scoring systems. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:3784-3792. [PMID: 37140327 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202304_32179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The atherosclerotic plaque is a complex dynamic pathological lesion of the arterial wall, characterized by multiple elementary lesions of different diagnostic and prognostic significance. Fibrous cap thickness, lipid necrotic core dimension, inflammation, intra-plaque hemorrhage (IPH), plaque neovascularization and endothelial dysfunction (erosions) are generally considered the most relevant morphological details of plaque morphology. In this review, the most relevant features able to discriminate between stable and vulnerable plaques at histological level are discussed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Retrospectively, we have evaluated the laboratory results from one hundred old histological samples from patients treated with carotid endarterectomy. These results were analyzed to assess elementary lesions that characterize stable and unstable plaques. RESULTS A thin fibrous cap (<65 micron), loss of smooth muscle cells, collagen depletion, a large lipid-rich necrotic core, infiltrating macrophages, IPH and intra-plaque vascularization are identified as the most important risk factors associated with plaque rupture. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin (smooth muscle cell marker) and for CD68 (marker of monocytes/macrophages) and glycophorin (marker of red blood cells) are suggested as useful tools for an in deep characterization of any carotid plaque and for distinguishing plaque phenotypes at histology. Since patients with a carotid vulnerable plaque are at higher risk of developing vulnerable plaques in other arteries as well, the definition of the vulnerability index is underlined, in order to stratify patients at higher risk for undergoing cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Scano A, Kalcev G, Piras M, Fais S, Cossu G, Gonzalez CIA, Carta MG, Orrù G. Usefulness of salivary sampling for the molecular detection of a
genetic variant associated with bipolar disorders. J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036221146915. [PMID: 36967730 PMCID: PMC10037733 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221146915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Under certain conditions, the hyperthymic temperament traits associated with an
increased risk of developing bipolar disorders may in fact produce adaptive
responses. The purpose of this study is to see if the type of biological
material used for genetic analysis (saliva or blood) affects the detection of
mutations in the CACNA1C (RS1006737) gene. The first experimental group
consisted of Sardinian migrants (“volunteers”) in South American and European
megacities. The second experimental group consisted of older healthy subjects
with hyperactivity and novelty-seeking characteristics from Cagliari, Italy. The
genetic procedure included DNA extraction, real-time PCR, and the Sanger method.
Nonetheless, the authors believe that saliva is the most appropriate biological
material, given its many advantages. In contrast to blood, saliva can be
collected by any type of healthcare provider after following a few simple
instructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Alessandra Scano, Department of Surgical
Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale, 46, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Goce Kalcev
- International PhD in Innovation
Sciences and Technology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- International PhD in Innovation
Sciences and Technology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Fais
- Department of Surgical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Piras M, Fanni D, Congiu T, Cau F, Piludu M, Coni S, Coni P, Pichiri G, Orgerie J, Scano A, Orrù G, Gerosa C, Faa G. CD44 is highly expressed in stem/progenitor cells originating the intervertebral discs in the human notochord. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:8502-8507. [PMID: 36459031 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202211_30385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The notochord acts as a patterning structure, playing a key role in the formation of the vertebral column, both indirectly by inducing sclerotome cell differentiation and directly by forming the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs. The abnormal development of the notochord results in an easy equation with a variety of birth defects. Therefore, we focused our attention on the analysis of the early stages of human notochord development by highlighting the role of progenitor stem cells involved in the origin of intervertebral discs (IVDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight human fetuses, ranging from 8 up to 21 weeks of gestational age, were obtained from spontaneous abortion or voluntary interruption of gestation. Samples were 10% formalin-fixed, routinely processed, and paraffin-embedded. Five micron-tick paraffin sections were obtained from each sample. Sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and PAS stain for a morphological examination. Tissue samples were immunostained with a commercial anti-human CD44 rabbit monoclonal antibody at 1:100 dilution. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for CD44 was detected in six out of eight notochords examined in this study. Reactivity for CD44 was restricted to progenitor cells giving rise to the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the developing IVDs. Positive cells showed a membranous and/or cytoplasmic immunostaining, no reactivity was observed in the nuclear compartment. CD44 expression was always restricted to IVD precursor cells, whereas cartilage precursors were devoid of labelling. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows, for the first time, that the stem cell marker CD44 selectively marks intervertebral disc progenitor cells, paralleling their differentiation toward a discogenic phenotype. Therefore, our results suggest that CD44 plays a key role in IVD development, allowing its differentiation from surrounding undifferentiated notochordal cells toward a IVD phenotype. Given the role of CD44 in IVD development, we may hypothesize that low CD44 levels might be associated with changes in IVD development and with susceptibility to develop back pain later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Piras M, Perra A, Gureje O, Preti A, Carta MG. The Current Quality of Web-Based Information on the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Search. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185427. [PMID: 36143075 PMCID: PMC9501527 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An important aspect of managing chronic disorders like bipolar disorder is to have access to relevant health information. This study investigates and compares the quality of information on the treatments of bipolar disorder that is available on English websites, as an international language, and on Italian websites, as a popular local language. Methods: A systematic review search was obtained from four search engines. We excluded unrelated materials, scientific papers, and duplicates. We analyzed popularity with PageRank; technological quality with Nibbler; readability with the Flesh Reading Ease test and Gulpease index; quality of information with the DISCERN scale, the JAMA benchmark criteria, and on the extent of adherence to the HONCode. Results: 35 English and 31 Italian websites were included. The English websites were found to have a higher level of quality information and technological quality than the Italian ones. Overall, the websites were found to be difficult to read, requiring a high level of education. Conclusions: These results can be important to inform guidelines for the improvement of health information and help users to reach a higher level of evidence on the websites. Users should find the benefits of treatment, support for shared decision-making, the sources used, the medical editor’s supervision, and the risk of postponing treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Piras
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Perra
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-348-144-4501
| | - Oye Gureje
- Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Ibadan 200285, Nigeria
| | - Antonio Preti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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Cau F, Fanni D, Manchia M, Gerosa C, Piras M, Murru R, Paribello P, Congiu T, Coni P, Pichiri G, Piludu M, Van Eyken P, Gibo Y, La Nasa G, Orrù G, Scano A, Coghe F, Saba L, Castagnola M, Faa G. Expression of L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1CAM) in extracellular vesicles in the human spinal cord during development. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:6273-6282. [PMID: 36111928 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a glycoprotein characterized by three components: an extracellular region, a transmembrane segment, and a cytoplasmic tail. L1CAM is expressed in multiple human cells, including neurons. The neural cell adhesion molecule L1 has been implicated in a variety of neurologic processes, including neuritogenesis and cerebellar cell migration. The presence of L1CAM on the surface of nerve cells allows the adhesion of neurons among them. Furthermore, when it is bound to itself or to other proteins, L1-CAM induces signals inside the cell. The aim of this work was to study L1CAM expression in the human spinal cord during development, at different gestational ages, through immunohistochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical analysis for L1CAM was performed in five human spinal cord samples, including three embryos and two fetuses of different gestational ages, ranging from 8 to 12 weeks. RESULTS L1CAM expression was detected in all 5 spinal cords examined in this study. The adhesion molecule was found in the vast majority of cells. The highest levels of immunoreactivity for L1CAM were detected at the periphery of the developing organs, in the spinal cord zones occupied by sensory and motor fibers. In the alar and basal columns, immunoreactivity for L1CAM was characterized by a reticular pattern, being mainly expressed in axons. Strong reactivity of L1CAM was also found in extracellular vesicles. This extracellular localization might indicate the ability of L1CAM to mediate the transduction of extracellular signals that support axon outgrowth. CONCLUSIONS The high reactivity of L1cam in the axons of developing neurons in the fetal spinal cord confirms previous studies on the ability of L1CAM to promote axon sprouting and branching in the developing nervous system. In this work, a new actor is reported to have a role in the complex field of human spinal cord development: L1CAM, whose expression is highly found in the developing neuronal and glial precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Perry B, Vandenberghe F, Osimo E, Grosu C, Piras M, Jones P, Mallikarjun P, Stochl J, Upthegrove R, Khandaker G, Eap C. An International External Validation and Revision of the PsyMetRiC Cardiometabolic Risk Prediction Algorithm for Young People with Psychosis. Eur Psychiatry 2022. [PMCID: PMC9567930 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.1741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
The comorbidity between cardiometabolic and psychotic disorders develops early. This is a crucial window of opportunity to reduce excess morbidity and mortality. Recently, a cardiometabolic risk prediction algorithm for young people with psychosis, the psychosis metabolic risk calculator (PsyMetRiC) was developed and externally validated in the UK. However, its international transportability is unknown.
Objectives
We performed the first international validation study of PsyMetRiC in Lausanne, Switzerland, and examined whether additional variables (clinical and/or genetic) may improve the predictive performance of the algorithm
Methods
We included people aged 16-35y with psychosis from the PsyMetab cohort, who did not have MetS at baseline, and who had 1-6y follow-up data. The PsyMetRiC partial (age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, smoking status, and prescription of a metabolically-active antipsychotic) and full (also including high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides) algorithms were applied. Predictive performance was assessed using measures of discrimination (C-statistic) and calibration (calibration plots). Recalibration steps included refitting the intercept and/or slope if necessary. Additional variables (e.g. speed of weight gain, polygenic risk scores) were added to the model and predictive performance was reassessed.
Results
We included 545 participants. The discrimination performance of both PsyMetRiC algorithms was good (C>0.75), and calibration plots showed good agreement between observed and predicted risk. Additional analyses to be conducted.
Conclusions
PsyMetRiC is likely to be generalizable for use in Switzerland, suggesting that PsyMetRiC may also be suitable for use in other European populations. While additional international validations are required, these findings are an encouraging step toward an international cardiometabolic risk prediction algorithm for young people with psychosis.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
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Laaboub N, Gholam M, Dubath C, Grosu C, Piras M, Von Plessen K, Von Gunten A, Conus P, Preisig M, Eap C. Metabolic disturbances are associated with psychiatric readmission: results from a Swiss psychiatric cohort. Eur Psychiatry 2022. [PMCID: PMC9567304 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
High BMI has been associated with psychiatric rehospitalisation.
Objectives
We aimed to replicate this finding in a large Swiss psychiatric cohort and to examine whether other metabolic disturbances are independently associated with psychiatric readmission.
Methods
Data on 16’727 hospitalizations of 7’786 patients admitted between January 1st, 2007 and December 31st, 2019 at the Department of Psychiatry of the Lausanne University Hospital, were collected. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to International Diabetes Federation definition. Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to investigate the associations between psychiatric readmission and metabolic syndrome and/or its five components.
Results
The readmitted population (N=2’935; 37.7% patients) had higher BMI, and were more likely to have central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. Multivariate analyses confirmed that having a BMI ≥ 25 kg.m-2 was associated with psychiatric readmission (25 kg.m-2≤ BMI< 30 kg.m-2: OR = 1.88; 95%CI [1.55-2.29]; BMI≥30 kg.m-2: OR = 3.5; 95%CI [2.85-4.30]) when compared to patients with 18.5≤BMI<25 kg.m-2. Interestingly, novel factors associated with readmission were identified including metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.57, 95%CI [1.05-2.33]), central obesity (OR = 1.81, 95%CI [1.33-2.46]), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.59; 95%CI [1.38-1.83]), HDL hypocholesterolemia (OR = 1.22; 95%CI [1.06-1.40]) and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.58; 95%CI [1.35-1.85]).
Conclusions
Metabolic syndrome, central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, HDL hypocholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and obesity were associated with psychiatric readmission. Possible causes will be presented and discussed (e.g. reduced adherence to treatment in patients with metabolic disorders, multiple psychotropic treatments in non-responders increasing the risk of metabolic worsening).
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
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Cau F, Gerosa C, Murru R, Pichiri G, Coni P, Piras M, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Van Eyken P, Saba L, Fanni D, Faa G. Interindividual variability in L1CAM expression in the human kidney during development: are there implications for fetal programming of kidney diseases presenting in adulthood? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:4346-4353. [PMID: 35776035 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202206_29073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. The present study investigated the expression of L1CAM during the development in the fetal human kidney at different gestational ages, to reach a better knowledge on the role of L1CAM in renal morphogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The immunohistochemical analysis for L1CAM was performed in 24 fetal kidneys of different gestational ages, ranging from 10 to 38 weeks. L1CAM expression was observed in all 24 kidneys examined. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for L1CAM was restricted to the collecting tubules, of the developing fetal kidneys. Moreover, L1CAM was detected in the ureteric bud tips, near the subcapsular metanephric mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. L1CAM was also expressed in the collecting tubules undergoing fusion with the distal tubules of the developing nephrons. L1CAM was mainly expressed along the cell membrane. In fetal kidneys in which the renal pelvis was observed, epithelial cells of the renal pelvis showed strong membranous reactivity for L1CAM. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that L1CAM is expressed in all stages of human kidney nephrogenesis, being restricted to the renal structures derived from the ureteric bud. The expression of L1CAM in the cells of the ureteric bud tips suggests a major role for this adhesion molecule in the induction of metanephric mesenchymal cells to undergo mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and differentiation into new nephrons. The interindividual variability in L1CAM expression observed in this study might be related to different levels of nephrogenesis, suggesting L1CAM involvement in the fetal programming of adult kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Dubath C, Porcu E, Delacrétaz A, Grosu C, Laaboub N, Piras M, Von Gunten A, Conus P, Von Plessen K, Kutalik Z, Eap C. DNA methylation may mediate psychotropic drug-induced metabolic side effects: results from a 1-month observational study. Eur Psychiatry 2022. [PMCID: PMC9567522 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Metabolic side effects of psychotropic medications are a major drawback to patients’ effective treatment. Among the mechanisms underlying their development, DNA methylation may be involved. Objectives The aim of this study was to estimate DNA methylation changes occurring secondary to psychotropic treatment and evaluate associations between 1-month metabolic changes and baseline DNA methylation or 1-month DNA methylation changes, using an epigenome-wide approach. Methods Seventy-nine psychiatric patients recruited as part of PsyMetab study, who started a treatment with either an antipsychotic, a mood stabilizer or mirtazapine were selected. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation was measured using the Illumina Methylation EPIC BeadChip at baseline and after one month of treatment. Results A global methylation increase was observed after 1 month of treatment, which was more pronounced in patients whose weight remained stable (i.e., <2.5% weight increase). Epigenome-wide significant methylation changes were observed at 52 loci in the whole cohort and at one site, namely cg12209987, located in an intergenic region within an enhancer, specifically in patients who underwent important early weight gain (i.e., ≥5% weight increase) during the same period of treatment (p<5*10-8). Multivariable analysis confirmed an association between an increase in methylation at this locus and weight gain in the whole cohort (p=0.004). Epigenome-wide association analyses failed to identify any significant link between other metabolic changes (e.g. glucose or lipid levels) and methylation data. Conclusions These findings give new insight into the mechanisms of psychotropic drug-induced weight gain. With improved understanding of the metabolic side effects, the use of precision medicine with epigenetics may become possible Disclosure No significant relationships.
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Piras M, Ranjbar S, Dubath C, Laaboub N, Grosu C, Gamma F, Von Plessen K, Von Gunten A, Conus P, Eap C. Effects of psychotropic switches on weight change: a prospective cohort study. Eur Psychiatry 2022. [PMCID: PMC9567840 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.1887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Many psychotropic drugs can induce weight gain with differences in their metabolic risk profiles (i.e. high, medium or low-risk).
Objectives
To compare the weight evolution of patients switching versus patients keeping their psychotropic drugs with different risk-profiles.
Methods
Data for patients switching or keeping the same drug were obtained from the Psyclin (from 2007 to 2015) and Psymetab (2007- 2019) cohort studies, conducted at the Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland. Patients either switched from a high to a low-risk, a high to a medium-risk, a medium to a low-risk drug, or for a drug with the same risk category. Patients not switching either kept a high, medium or low-risk drug. The evolution of weight is currently being analyzed using a linear mixed-effect model.
Results
Preliminary results showed that switching from a high to low-risk molecule had the strongest impact on weight changes. The analysis being ongoing, the quantitative results will be presented at the congress.
Conclusions
Switching from a high-risk to a low-risk molecule is likely to have the strongest impact on weight changes.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
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Coghe F, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Ravarino A, Mureddu M, Cerrone G, Coni P, Pichiri G, Congiu T, Piras M, Cau F, Aimola V, Balestrieri A, Lai E, Manchia M, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Van Eyken P, Saba L, Scartozzi M, Castagnola M, Faa G. The role of fetal programming in human carcinogenesis - May the Barker hypothesis explain interindividual variability in susceptibility to cancer insurgence and progression? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3585-3592. [PMID: 35647840 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202205_28854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The growing incidence of cancers is pushing oncologists to find out new explanations other than the somatic mutation theory, based on the accumulation of DNA mutations. In particular, the embryo-fetal exposure to an increasing number of environmental factors during gestation might represent a trigger able to influence the susceptibility of the newborn to develop cancer later in life. This idea agrees with the fetal programming theory, also known as the Barker hypothesis. Here the role of insulin-like growth factors, thymosin beta-4, and epigenome are discussed as mediators of cancer in prenatal human development. The role of epigenetic factors that during gestation increase the predisposition to develop cancer and the similarities in the gene expression (like MMP9, OPN, TP53 and CDKN2A) between embryonic development and cancer are key factors. Likewise, maternal obesity might be able to re-program embryo-fetal development with long-term changes, including an increased risk to develop neuroblastoma and acute leukemia. Birth weight alone and birth weight corrected for gestational age are proposed as important variables capable of predicting the vulnerability to develop cancers. According to the findings here reported, we hypothesize that cancer prevention should start during gestation by improving the quality of maternal diet. In conclusion, the Barker hypothesis should be applied to cancer as well. Therefore, the identification of the epigenetic factors of cancer appears mandatory, so that the cancer prevention might start in the womb before birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Coghe
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU) di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Piras M, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Cau F, Coni P, Murru R, Denotti G, Orrù G, Scano A, Ledda F, Van Eyken P, Coghe F, Faa G, Castagnola M. Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) is highly expressed in the developing human kidney. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3301-3309. [PMID: 35587082 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202205_28749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP), also known as diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI), is a small phylogenetically conserved protein. This ancestral peptide is multifunctional, performing intracellular activities as ACBP protein or extracellular roles as DBI. Several studies showed its endless facets, including a relevant activity as appetite stimulator and as anabolic factor. High levels of ACBP have been described in erythrocytes, liver, kidney, and gut cells. The aim of this study was to analyze, at immunohistochemical level, the expression of ACBP in fetal human tissues during development, focusing on the developing kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry for ACBP was performed on 30 human fetal kidneys, from 15 fetuses of gestational age ranging from 13 to 19 weeks. At autopsy, all kidney samples were 10% formalin-fixed, routinely processed and paraffin-embedded. Five micron-thick paraffin sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and PAS stain for a morphological examination. RESULTS ACBP was detected in all 30 kidneys analyzed in this study. No significant changes in ACBP expression were observed at different gestational ages. Immunostaining for ACBP was restricted to the epithelium covering the renal pelvis, the papillae, the collecting tubules, and the proximal and distal tubules. On the other hand, medullary regions and in the metanephric mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells did not show any reactivity for ACBP. CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, ACBP should be considered as a new player in the complex field of human nephrogenesis, given that it was detected in all fetal kidneys immunostained. Its preferential localization in the renal structures derived from the Wolf duct, such as pelvis epithelium and collecting ducts, suggests a major role for ACBP in the induction of the metanephric mesenchymal cells toward the differentiation into glomerular structures. ACBP expression in proximal and distal tubules, two structures originating from the metanephric mesenchyme, indicates a further role of this protein in nephron development. In conclusion, ACBP should be added to the multiple molecules involved in human nephrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Cantini L, Mentrasti G, Lo Russo G, Signorelli D, Pasello G, Rijavec E, Russano M, Antonuzzo L, Rocco D, Giusti R, Adamo V, Genova C, Tuzi A, Morabito A, Gori S, La Verde N, Chiari R, Cortellini A, Cognigni V, Pecci F, Indini A, De Toma A, Zattarin E, Oresti S, Pizzutilo E, Frega S, Erbetta E, Galletti A, Citarella F, Fancelli S, Caliman E, Della Gravara L, Malapelle U, Filetti M, Piras M, Toscano G, Zullo L, De Tursi M, Di Marino P, D’Emilio V, Cona M, Guida A, Caglio A, Salerno F, Spinelli G, Bennati C, Morgillo F, Russo A, Dellepiane C, Vallini I, Sforza V, Inno A, Rastelli F, Tassi V, Nicolardi L, Pensieri M, Emili R, Roca E, Migliore A, Galassi T, Rocchi M, Berardi R. Erratum to ‘Evaluation of COVID-19 impact on DELAYing diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of lung cancer patients in Italy (COVID-DELAY study): fewer cases and higher stages from a real-world scenario’. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100471. [PMID: 35378403 PMCID: PMC8973259 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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15
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Piras M, Cau F, Manchia M, Paribello P, Saba L, Suri JS, Faa G, Pichiri G, Cerrone G, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Fanni D, Gerosa C. Strong ACE-2 expression in the choroidal vessels: do high choroid plexuses serve as a gateway for SARS-CoV-2 infection on the human brain? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3025-3029. [PMID: 35503602 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202204_28633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have confirmed the key mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells. It is well established that ACE2 is the receptor that can mark the beginning of the infection. In light of this, the organs that express higher levels of ACE2 are generally considered at higher risk, while those with lower levels should be somehow more protected. This - if related to the scarcity of ace2-expressing cells in the brain - seems to contrast with the presence of a variety of neurological symptoms that follow infection with ace2. The aim of this work was to analyze ACE2 expression in the human brain, focusing on the choroid plexuses. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty brain samples were obtained at autopsy from ten human fetuses and from ten adult subjects. All samples were selected to contain the choroid plexus. Specimens were fixed in 10% formalin, routinely processed and paraffin embedded. 5-micron sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and immunostained with a commercial anti-human ACE2 rabbit monoclonal antibody at 1:100 dilution. RESULTS We analyzed 20 samples by immunohistochemistry, and we noted that, as far as fetal samples are concerned, a strong reactivity for ACE2 was detected in the myxoid stroma of the choroid plexuses and in the endothelial cells in fetuses. The complete absence of the ACE2 marker was detected in epithelial cells, neurons and glial cells of the cerebral cortex, both in fetuses and in adults. Whereas a strong but selective reactivity for ACE2 was also detected in adult choroid plexuses, mainly localized in the endothelial cells of the choroid capillaries. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows a strong expression of ACE in the fetal and adult brain choroid plexuses. This new histopathological finding may clarify the susceptibility of the human brain to SARS-COV-2 infection. Our data indicate the choroid plexus as the entry gate of virus for in the human brain; therefore, the entrance of SARS-CoV-2 into the cerebrospinal fluid through the choroid plexuses might represent the mechanism utilized by this coronavirus to cause direct injury to brain cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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16
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Cantini L, Mentrasti G, Russo GL, Signorelli D, Pasello G, Rijavec E, Russano M, Antonuzzo L, Rocco D, Giusti R, Adamo V, Genova C, Tuzi A, Morabito A, Gori S, Verde NL, Chiari R, Cortellini A, Cognigni V, Pecci F, Indini A, De Toma A, Zattarin E, Oresti S, Pizzutilo EG, Frega S, Erbetta E, Galletti A, Citarella F, Fancelli S, Caliman E, Della Gravara L, Malapelle U, Filetti M, Piras M, Toscano G, Zullo L, De Tursi M, Di Marino P, D'Emilio V, Cona MS, Guida A, Caglio A, Salerno F, Spinelli G, Bennati C, Morgillo F, Russo A, Dellepiane C, Vallini I, Sforza V, Inno A, Rastelli F, Tassi V, Nicolardi L, Pensieri V, Emili R, Roca E, Migliore A, Galassi T, Rocchi MLB, Berardi R. Evaluation of COVID-19 impact on DELAYing diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of lung cancer patients in Italy (COVID-DELAY study): fewer cases and higher stages from a real-world scenario. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100406. [PMID: 35219245 PMCID: PMC8810307 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 has disrupted the global health care system since March 2020. Lung cancer (LC) patients (pts) represent a vulnerable population highly affected by the pandemic. This multicenter Italian study aimed to evaluate whether the COVID-19 outbreak had an impact on access to cancer diagnosis and treatment of LC pts compared with pre-pandemic time. Methods Consecutive newly diagnosed LC pts referred to 25 Italian Oncology Departments between March and December 2020 were included. Access rate and temporal intervals between date of symptoms onset and diagnostic and therapeutic services were compared with the same period in 2019. Differences between the 2 years were analyzed using the chi-square test for categorical variables and the Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables. Results A slight reduction (−6.9%) in newly diagnosed LC cases was observed in 2020 compared with 2019 (1523 versus 1637, P = 0.09). Newly diagnosed LC pts in 2020 were more likely to be diagnosed with stage IV disease (P < 0.01) and to be current smokers (someone who has smoked more than 100 cigarettes, including hand-rolled cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, in their lifetime and has smoked in the last 28 days) (P < 0.01). The drop in terms of new diagnoses was greater in the lockdown period (percentage drop −12% versus −3.2%) compared with the other months included. More LC pts were referred to a low/medium volume hospital in 2020 compared with 2019 (P = 0.01). No differences emerged in terms of interval between symptoms onset and radiological diagnosis (P = 0.94), symptoms onset and cytohistological diagnosis (P = 0.92), symptoms onset and treatment start (P = 0.40), and treatment start and first radiological revaluation (P = 0.36). Conclusions Our study pointed out a reduction of new diagnoses with a shift towards higher stage at diagnosis for LC pts in 2020. Despite this, the measures adopted by Italian Oncology Departments ensured the maintenance of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of LC pts. The COVID-19 outbreak had an impact on access to lung cancer (LC) diagnosis and treatment. A slight reduction (−6.9%) in newly diagnosed LC cases was observed in 2020 compared with 2019. Newly diagnosed LC pts in 2020 were more likely to be diagnosed with stage IV disease. The Italian Oncology Departments ensured the maintenance of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of LC pts. A reverse migration from high-volume to low-volume cancer centers was noted during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy. https://twitter.com/LucaCantiniMD
| | - G Mentrasti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - G L Russo
- Oncologia Medica 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Signorelli
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - G Pasello
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy; Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - E Rijavec
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Russano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - L Antonuzzo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - D Rocco
- Department of Pulmonology and Oncology, AORN dei Colli Monaldi, Naples, Italy
| | - R Giusti
- UOC Oncologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sant'Andrea, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - V Adamo
- Oncologia Medica, A.O.Papardo & Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - C Genova
- UOC Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Tuzi
- Oncologia Medica, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - A Morabito
- Thoracic Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - S Gori
- UOC Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - N La Verde
- Department of Oncology, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - R Chiari
- Medical Oncology, Ospedali Riuniti Padova Sud, Monselice, Italy
| | - A Cortellini
- Medical Oncology, St Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - V Cognigni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - F Pecci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Indini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A De Toma
- Oncologia Medica 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Zattarin
- Oncologia Medica 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - S Oresti
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - E G Pizzutilo
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - S Frega
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - E Erbetta
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - A Galletti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - F Citarella
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - S Fancelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - E Caliman
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - L Della Gravara
- Dipartment of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - U Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - M Filetti
- UOC Oncologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sant'Andrea, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - M Piras
- UOC Oncologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sant'Andrea, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - G Toscano
- Oncologia Medica, A.O.Papardo, Messina, Italy
| | - L Zullo
- UOC Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - M De Tursi
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, Università G. D'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - P Di Marino
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, Università G. D'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - V D'Emilio
- UOC Pneumologia, Ospedale Mazzoni, Ascoli Piceno, Italy
| | - M S Cona
- Department of Oncology, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - A Guida
- Oncologia Medica e Traslazionale, AO Santa Maria, Terni, Italy
| | - A Caglio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - F Salerno
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - G Spinelli
- UOC Territorial Oncology, University "Sapienza", AUSL Latina, Cds Aprilia, Aprilia, Italy
| | - C Bennati
- Department of Onco-Hematology, AUSL della Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - F Morgillo
- UOC Oncologia ed Ematologia, Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - A Russo
- Oncologia Medica, A.O.Papardo, Messina, Italy
| | - C Dellepiane
- UOC Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - I Vallini
- Oncologia Medica, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - V Sforza
- Thoracic Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - A Inno
- UOC Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - F Rastelli
- UOC Oncologia, Ospedale Mazzoni, Ascoli Piceno, Italy
| | - V Tassi
- Chirurgia Toracica, AO Santa Maria, Terni, Italy
| | - L Nicolardi
- Medical Oncology, Ospedali Riuniti Padova Sud, Monselice, Italy
| | - V Pensieri
- Medical Oncology, St Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Emili
- Operative Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, Pesaro, Italy
| | - E Roca
- Thoracic Oncology - Lung Unit, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera Del Garda, Italy
| | - A Migliore
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - T Galassi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - M L Bruno Rocchi
- Biomolecular Sciences Department, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - R Berardi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy.
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Congiu T, Demontis R, Cau F, Piras M, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Botta C, Scano A, Chighine A, Faedda E, Cau R, Van Eyken P, Marongiu F, Barcellona D, Saba L, Orrù G, Coghe F, Suri JS, Faa G, d'Aloja E. Scanning electron microscopy of lung disease due to COVID-19 - a case report and a review of the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 25:7997-8003. [PMID: 34982463 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202112_27650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) showed similar characteristics with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In the most compromised cases, COVID-19 infection leads to death due to severe respiratory complications. COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the primary cause of death in these patients. In the present study, we show an ultrastructural analysis on the lungs of a patient affected by COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS Lung specimens obtained at autopsy from a 63-years old patient affected by COVID-19 were fixed in 1% paraformaldehyde. Slices of 300 µm thickness were dehydrated and dried by Critical Point Drying in CO2. Slices were covered with a conductive gold film approximately 30 nm thick and observed at a Zeiss Sigma 300 SEM FEG in the secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron (BSE) modes. As case control a lung biopsy from a 60-year-old man was considered. RESULTS At low power in all COVID-19 lung specimens severe changes in the pulmonary architecture were found, due to the collapse of air spaces. Moreover, alveolar cavities were covered by large membranes. At high power, alveolar membranes showed a fibrillar structure, suggestive of a loose network of fibrin. It has been also found that intra-alveolar red blood cells were frequently present in the alveolar spaces, surrounded by a reticular fibrin network, suggestive for fibrin-hemorrhagic alveolitis. Alveolar changes were constantly associated with pathological features related to the pulmonary vessels. Vascular changes were prominent, including endothelial damage and thrombosis of large pulmonary vessels. Fibrinous microthrombi were frequently detected in the inter-alveolar septal capillaries. In addition, it has been frequently detected capillary proliferation in the alveolar septa with finding suggestive for intussusceptive neo-angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our electron microscopy analysis showed that COVID-19-related lung disease is characterized by a substantial architectural distortion, with the interactions between alveolar and vascular changes. Intra-alveolar hyaline membranes are associated with macro- and micro-thrombotic angiopathy, ending with capillary proliferation. The new blood vessel formation originates from the septa and extends into the surrounding parenchyma. Our findings confirm previous reports on the specificity of the multiple and complex morphological pattern typical, and apparently specific, of COVID-19-related lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Congiu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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18
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Congiu T, Fanni D, Piras M, Gerosa C, Cau F, Barcellona D, D'Aloja E, Demontis R, Chighine A, Nioi M, Coni P, Ravarino A, Cerrone G, Aimola V, Botta C, Scano A, Orrù G, Coghe F, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Saba L, Suri JS, Faa G, Marongiu F. Ultrastructural findings of lung injury due to Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombo- cytopenia (VITT) following COVID-19 vaccination: a scanning electron microscopic study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:270-277. [PMID: 35049004 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202201_27777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare new syndrome occurring after the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine immunization. Patients with VITT are characterized by a variable clinical presentation, likewise also the outcome of these patients is very variable. Here we report the lung ultrastructural findings in the course of VITT of a 58-year-old male patient. Alveoli were mainly dilated, irregular in shape, and occupied by a reticular network of fibrin, while interalveolar septa appeared thickened. The proliferation of small capillaries gave rise to plexiform structures and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis-like features. Near the alveoli occupied by a dense fibrin network, the medium-sized arteries showed a modified wall and an intraluminal thrombus. This scenario looks quite similar to that found during COVID-19, where the lungs suffer from the attack of the antigen-antibodies complexes and the virus respectively. In both diseases, the final outcome is a severe inflammation, activation of the haemostatic system and fibrinolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Congiu
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Piras M, Scano A, Orrù G, Preti A, Marchese C, Kalcev G. Can an Investigation of a Single Gene be Effective in Differentiating Certain Features of the Bipolar Disorder Profile? Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2021; 17:187-189. [PMID: 35173786 PMCID: PMC8728559 DOI: 10.2174/1745017902117010187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is amongst the most common heritable mental disorders, but the clarification of its genetic roots has proven to be very challenging. Many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified to be associated with BD. SNPs in the CACNA1C gene have emerged as the most significantly associated with the disease. The aim of the present study is to provide a concise description of SNP 1006737 variants identified by Real Time PCR and confirm sequencing analysis with the Sanger method in order to estimate the association with BD. The molecular method was tested on 47 Sardinian subjects of whom 23 were found to not be mutated, 1 was found to be a carrier of the homozygous A allele and 23 were found to be carriers of the heterozygous G allele. Moreover, the positive results of the preliminary application suggest that the development of the screener could be extended to the other 5 genetic variables identified as associated with BD.
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Binaghi G, Cossa S, Pasqualucci D, Piras M, Porcu M. An Unusual Case of Acute Heart Failure: Myositis With Cardiac Involvement as the First Clinical Manifestation of a Possible Connective Tissue Disease. J Clin Rheumatol 2021; 27:S670-S671. [PMID: 33298809 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Martina Piras
- Internal Medicine, Ospedale G. Brotzu, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
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21
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Gerosa C, Faa G, Fanni D, Cerrone G, Suri JS, Barcellona D, Coni P, Congiu T, Lai ML, Piras M, Cau F, Coghe F, Balestrieri A, Cau R, Orru' G, Scano A, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Campagna M, Castagnola M, Gibo Y, Marongiu F, Saba L. Fetal programming of atherosclerosis: may the barker hypothesis explain the susceptibility of a subset of patients to develop stroke or cardiac infarct? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:6633-6641. [PMID: 34787867 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202111_27107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The risk stratification of young adults between subjects who will develop a mild form of atherosclerosis and subjects who will undergo a severe disease remains inaccurate. In the eighties of the previous century, David JP Barker has demonstrated the relationship between fetal conditions and occurrence of pathologies in adulthood. In this paper, the multiple evidence that might explain the increased susceptibility to severe forms of atherosclerosis, including stroke and cardiac infarct, in subjects who underwent intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) will be analyzed. Specifically, we will review those inter-connected data indicating an association between a low weight at birth and an adult phenotype which might favor a severe outcome of atherosclerosis. Young and adult subjects born too small (IUGR) or too early (pre-terms) might represent a subgroup of "at risk subjects", more susceptible toward severe forms of atherosclerosis. Given that low birth weight (LBW) may be considered a surrogate of IUGR, this phenotypic feature could be considered among those indispensable clinical data collected in every patient presenting with atherosclerosis, irrespectively of age. According to the hypothesis that structural arterial changes might represent the link between LBW and susceptibility to atherosclerosis later in life, we suggest that the prevention of atherosclerosis should begin at birth. Regenerative and physiological substances such as thymosin Beta-4 could be challenged for a new "arterial regenerative medicine" in the perinatal period. The goal of this new approach should be the reinforcement of the structure of the arterial wall, allowing LBW newborns to avoid the most severe complications of atherosclerosis later in life: a dream that our research could contribute to bringing to life.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Fanni D, Cerrone G, Saba L, Demontis R, Congiu T, Piras M, Gerosa C, Suri J, Coni P, Caddori A, Piga M, Mancosu G, Barcellona D, Ravarino A, Chighine A, Cau F, Scano A, Balestrieri A, Coghe F, Orrù G, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, D'Aloia E, Marongiu F, Faa G. Thrombotic sinusoiditis and local diffuse intrasinusoidal coagulation in the liver of subjects affected by COVID-19: the evidence from histology and scanning electron microscopy. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5904-5912. [PMID: 34661248 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202110_26866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liver injury has been reported in patients with COVID-19. This condition is characterized by severe outcome and could be related with the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to activate cytotoxic T cells. The purpose of this study is to show the histological and scanning electron microscopy features of liver involvement in COVID-19 to characterize the liver changes caused by the activation of multiple molecular pathways following this infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS Liver biopsies from 4 patients (3 post-mortems and 1 in vivo) with COVID-19 were analyzed with histology and by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS The liver changes showed significant heterogeneity. The first case showed ground glass hepatocytes and scattered fibrin aggregates in the sinusoidal lumen. The second evidenced intra-sinusoidal thrombi. The third was characterized by sinusoidal dilatation, atrophy of hepatocytes, Disse's spaces dilatation and intra-sinusoidal aggregates of fibrin and red blood cells. The fourth case exhibited diffuse fibrin aggregates in the dilated Disse spaces and microthrombi in the sinusoidal lumen. CONCLUSIONS In COVID-19-related liver injury, a large spectrum of pathological changes was observed. The most peculiar features were very mild inflammation, intra-sinusoidal changes, including sinusoidal dilatation, thrombotic sinusoiditis and diffuse intra-sinusoidal fibrin deposition. These findings suggested that a thrombotic sinusoiditis followed by a local diffuse intra-vascular (intra-sinusoidal) coagulation could be the typical features of the SARS-CoV-2-related liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fanni
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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23
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Gerosa C, Faa G, Fanni D, Manchia M, Suri JS, Ravarino A, Barcellona D, Pichiri G, Coni P, Congiu T, Piras M, Cerrone G, Cau F, Ledda F, Aimola V, Coghe F, Porcu M, Cau R, Orru' G, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Castagnola M, Marongiu F, Saba L. Fetal programming of COVID-19: may the barker hypothesis explain the susceptibility of a subset of young adults to develop severe disease? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5876-5884. [PMID: 34604981 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202109_26810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The risk stratification of young adults between subjects who will develop a mild form COVID-19 and subjects who will undergo a severe disease remains inaccurate. In this review, we propose that the Barker hypothesis might explain the increased susceptibility to severe forms of COVID-19 in subjects who underwent intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In this paper evidence indicating an association between a low birth weight and an adult phenotype which might favor a severe outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection are presented: lower lung functional capacity; increased respiratory morbidity; changes in fibrinogen and Factor VII serum levels and dysregulation of the hemostasis and thrombosis system; acquisition of a pro-thrombotic phenotype; low nephron number, with decreased ability to sustain renal function and increased renal morbidity; heart remodeling, with a less efficient cardiac function; endothelial dysfunction, a risk factor for the insurgence of the multiple organ failure; remodeling of arteries, with changes in the elastic properties of the arterial wall, predisposing to the insurgence and progression of atherosclerosis; dysfunction of the innate immune system, a risk factor for immune diseases in adulthood. These data suggest that young and adult subjects born too small (IUGR) or too early (pre-terms) might represent a subgroup of "at risk subjects", more susceptible toward severe forms of COVID-19. Given that LBW may be considered a surrogate of IUGR, this phenotypic marker should be included among the indispensable clinical data collected in every patient presenting with SARS-COV-2 infection, irrespectively of his/her age.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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24
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Gerosa C, Fanni D, Cau F, Ravarino A, Senes G, Demontis R, Coni P, Piras M, Orrù G, Coghe F, Congiu T, La Nasa G, D'Aloja E, Saba L, Faa G. Immunohistochemical findings in the lungs of COVID-19 subjects: evidence of surfactant dysregulation. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:4639-4643. [PMID: 34286505 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202107_26257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by quantitative and qualitative changes in surfactant composition, leading to surfactant dysregulation with alveolar collapse and acute respiratory hypoxic failure. Recently, surfactant has been hypothesized to play a relevant role in COVID-19, representing a strong defender against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of our work was the study of immunohistochemical surfactant expression in the lungs of patients died following SARS-CoV-2 ARDS, in order to shed light on a possible therapeutic surfactant administration. PATIENTS AND METHODS We investigated four patients who died due to ARDS following SARS-COV-2 infection and four patients submitted to lung biopsy, in the absence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In all 8 cases, lung specimens were immunostained with anti-surfactant protein A (SP-A) and B (SP-B). RESULTS In control subjects, reactivity for SP-B was restricted to type II alveolar cells. Immunostaining for SP-A was observed on the surface of alveolar spaces. In the COVID-19 positive lungs, immunoreactivity for SP-B was similar to that observed in control lungs; SP-A was strongly expressed along the alveolar wall. Moreover, dense aggregates of SP-A positive material were observed in the alveolar spaces. CONCLUSIONS Our immunohistochemical data show the dysregulation of surfactant production in COVID-19 patients, particularly regarding SP-A expression. The increased presence of SP-A in condensed masses inside alveolar spaces could invalidate the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment with exogenous surfactant.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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25
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Faa G, Piras M, Mancuso L, Coni P, Pichiri G, Orrù G, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Cao G, Taibi R, Pavone P, Castagnola M. Thymosin beta-4 prenatal administration improves fetal development and halts side effects due to preterm delivery. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:431-437. [PMID: 33506933 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202101_24411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thymosin beta 4 (TB4) is the most abundant member of the beta-thymosin family in humans. The main physiological role of TB4 is the regulation of actin polymerization. TB4 is also involved in angiogenesis, cell survival, cell migration and fetal development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of TB4 as a fetal growth promoter when administered during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our protocols have been carried out in full conformity with the rules and guidelines expected for this kind of trial. 10 pregnant mice received the same injection regimen. Only 6 of these 10 are part of this experiment because they were pregnant. At 10:00 a.m. on day E14 and E17 of gestation mice were weighed and treated with an intraperitoneal injection of TB4 (Regene RX, Rockville, MD, USA; 6 mg/kg in PBS). RESULTS The mothers treated with TB4 for two days precisely E14 and E17, showed a higher cranio-caudal length when compared to control newborns. At histology, maternal TB4 treatment was associated with more advanced development of lungs, heart, kidney, cerebral cortex and notochord. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that TB4 administration during gestation may act as a powerful fetal growth promoter, by accelerating the development of newborn organs and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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26
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Fanni D, Gerosa C, Nurchi VM, Suri JS, Nardi V, Congiu T, Coni P, Ravarino A, Cerrone G, Piras M, Cau F, Kounis NG, Balestrieri A, Gibo Y, Van Eyken P, Coghe F, Venanzi Rullo E, Taibi R, Orrù G, Faa G, Saba L. Trace elements and the carotid plaque: the GOOD (Mg, Zn, Se), the UGLY (Fe, Cu), and the BAD (P, Ca)? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:3772-3790. [PMID: 34109586 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202105_25945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple epidemiological studies have suggested that industrialization and progressive urbanization should be considered one of the main factors responsible for the rising of atherosclerosis in the developing world. In this scenario, the role of trace metals in the insurgence and progression of atherosclerosis has not been clarified yet. In this paper, the specific role of selected trace elements (magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, copper, phosphorus, and calcium) is described by focusing on the atherosclerotic prevention and pathogenesis plaque. For each element, the following data are reported: daily intake, serum levels, intra/extracellular distribution, major roles in physiology, main effects of high and low levels, specific roles in atherosclerosis, possible interactions with other trace elements, and possible influences on plaque development. For each trace element, the correlations between its levels and clinical severity and outcome of COVID-19 are discussed. Moreover, the role of matrix metalloproteinases, a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, as a new medical therapeutical approach to atherosclerosis is discussed. Data suggest that trace element status may influence both atherosclerosis insurgence and plaque evolution toward a stable or an unstable status. However, significant variability in the action of these traces is evident: some - including magnesium, zinc, and selenium - may have a protective role, whereas others, including iron and copper, probably have a multi-faceted and more complex role in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerotic plaque. Finally, calcium and phosphorus are implicated in the calcification of atherosclerotic plaques and in the progression of the plaque toward rupture and severe clinical complications. In particular, the role of calcium is debated. Focusing on the COVID-19 pandemia, optimized magnesium and zinc levels are indicated as important protective tools against a severe clinical course of the disease, often related to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to cause a systemic inflammatory response, able to transform a stable plaque into an unstable one, with severe clinical complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fanni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari - University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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27
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Preti A, Piras M, Cossu G, Pintus E, Pintus M, Kalcev G, Cabras F, Moro MF, Romano F, Balestrieri M, Caraci F, Dell'Osso L, Sciascio GD, Drago F, Hardoy MC, Roncone R, Faravelli C, Musu M, Finco G, Nardi AE, Carta MG. The Burden of Agoraphobia in Worsening Quality of Life in a Community Survey in Italy. Psychiatry Investig 2021; 18:277-283. [PMID: 33849246 PMCID: PMC8103017 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2020.0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current nosology redefined agoraphobia as an autonomous diagnosis distinct from panic disorder. We investigated the lifetime prevalence of agoraphobia, its association with other mental disorders, and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). METHODS Community survey in 2,338 randomly selected adult subjects. Participants were interviewed with the Advanced Neuropsychiatric Tools and Assessment Schedule (ANTAS), administered by clinicians. The diagnoses were based on the ICD-10 criteria. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) was used to quantify HR-QoL. RESULTS In the sample, 35 subjects met the criteria for agoraphobia (1.5%), with greater prevalence among women (2.0%) than men (0.9%): odds ratio (OR) 2.23; 95% CI: 1.0-5-2. Agoraphobia was more often seen among those with (n=26; 1.1%) than without (n=9; 0.4%) panic disorder: OR=8.3; 2.9-24.4. Co-morbidity with other mental disorders was substantial. The mean score of SF-12 in people with agoraphobia was 35.2±7.8, with similar levels of HR-QoL in people with (35.3±7.9) or without (34.8±7.3) panic disorder: ANOVA: F(1;33)=0.0; p=1.00. CONCLUSION One out of seventy people may suffer from agoraphobia in their lifetime. The attributable burden in terms of HR-QoL is substantial and comparable to the one observed for chronic mental disorders such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Preti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- PhD Programme Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Pintus
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirra Pintus
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Goce Kalcev
- PhD Programme Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federico Cabras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | | | | | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mario Musu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Finco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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28
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Saba L, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Marongiu F, La Nasa G, Caocci G, Barcellona D, Balestrieri A, Coghe F, Orru G, Coni P, Piras M, Ledda F, Suri JS, Ronchi A, D'Andrea F, Cau R, Castagnola M, Faa G. Molecular pathways triggered by COVID-19 in different organs: ACE2 receptor-expressing cells under attack? A review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 24:12609-12622. [PMID: 33336781 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202012_24058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In human pathology, SARS-CoV-2 utilizes multiple molecular pathways to determine structural and biochemical changes within the different organs and cell types. The clinical picture of patients with COVID-19 is characterized by a very large spectrum. The reason for this variability has not been clarified yet, causing the inability to make a prognosis on the evolution of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed search was performed focusing on the role of ACE 2 receptors in allowing the viral entry into cells, the role of ACE 2 downregulation in triggering the tissue pathology or in accelerating previous disease states, the role of increased levels of Angiotensin II in determining endothelial dysfunction and the enhanced vascular permeability, the role of the dysregulation of the renin angiotensin system in COVID-19 and the role of cytokine storm. RESULTS The pathological changes induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection in the different organs, the correlations between the single cell types targeted by the virus in the different human organs and the clinical consequences, COVID-19 chronic pathologies in liver fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis and atrial arrhythmias, glomerulosclerosis and pulmonary fibrosis, due to the systemic fibroblast activation induced by angiotensin II are discussed. CONCLUSIONS The main pathways involved showed different pathological changes in multiple tissues and the different clinical presentations. Even if ACE2 is the main receptor of SARS-CoV-2 and the main entry point into cells for the virus, ACE2 expression does not always explain the observed marked inter-individual variability in clinical presentation and outcome, evidencing the complexity of this disorder. The proper interpretation of the growing data available might allow to better classifying COVID-19 in human pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU), di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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29
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Filetti M, Rossi A, Piras M, Salimbeni BT, Rizzo F, Giusti R. 79P Statins and immunotherapy: Togetherness makes strength - the potential effect of statins on immunotherapy for NSCLC. Ann Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.10.566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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30
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Husky M, Zgueb Y, Ouali U, A Gonzalez CI, Piras M, Testa G, Maleci A, Mulas A, Montisci A, Nujedat S, Kalcev G, Teodorov I, Preti A, Angermeyer M, Carta MG. Principal Component Analysis of the Well-Being at Work and Respect for Human Rights Questionnaire (WWRRR) in the Mediterranean Region. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2020; 16:115-124. [PMID: 33029189 PMCID: PMC7536725 DOI: 10.2174/1745017902016010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: The Well-Being at Work and Respect for human Rights Questionnaire (WWRR) was conceived based on the hypothesis that the perception of respect for users' rights is an essential element of well-being in the workplace in healthcare. The objective of the study is to examine the principal components of the WWRR. Methods: A random sample representative of a set of professionals working in three different healthcare networks in Tunisia, North-Macedonia, and Italy was enrolled (n=426). Each professional completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic data and the WWRR. The WWRR consists of six items on beliefs about: satisfaction at work, users’ satisfaction, organization at work, respect of users’ and staff human rights, adequacy of resources. A seventh item assesses the perceived needs of personnel. Correlation between the items was evaluated by analysing the principal components with Varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization (which included all components with an Eigen value> 1). Results: A single factor covered over 50% of the variance, all the items of the questionnaire were closely related and compose a single factor. Tunisia presented some differences regarding the item about the human rights of staff. Conclusion: Satisfaction with the respect for the rights of users is strongly correlated with the other factors that are part of the concept of the organizational well-being of health care providers. The WWRR provides a means of measuring this important and often neglected dimension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Husky
- Laboratoire de Psychologie, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yosra Zgueb
- Department of Psychiatry A, Razi Hospital, La Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Uta Ouali
- Department of Psychiatry A, Razi Hospital, La Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Cesar I A Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giorgia Testa
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Maleci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Mulas
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Montisci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
| | - Samih Nujedat
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
| | - Goce Kalcev
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
| | - Iskren Teodorov
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Preti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
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31
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Zgueb Y, Preti A, Perra A, El-Astal S, Aviles Gonzalez CI, Piras M, Testa G, Kirolov I, Tamburini G, Ouali U, Kalcev G, Romano F, Kovess V, Carta MG. Staff Perception of Respect for Human Rights of Users and Organizational Well-being: A Study in Four Different Countries of the Mediterranean Area. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2020; 16:109-114. [PMID: 33029188 PMCID: PMC7536724 DOI: 10.2174/1745017902016010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The perception by mental health service staff of respect for users' rights is a fundamental component of organizational well-being. The objective of this work is to examine how cultural differences and the working context can influence the perception of respect for users' rights in mental health professionals in the Mediterranean area. METHODS An observational survey carried out in four different mental health networks in four countries of the Mediterranean area (Tunisia, North-Macedonia, Italy, Palestine). Each invited participant fulfilled a format on socio-demographic information and coded the Well-Being at Work and Respect Right Questionnaire (WWRR). All data were encrypted and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The Games-Howell post-hoc test was used to assess differences between countries. The Games-Howell test does not assume equal variances and sample sizes. Eta-squared (η2) was used as a measure of effect size in the ANOVA (η2 around 0.01, 0.06, and 0.14 are considered small, medium, and large, respectively). RESULTS The sample included 590 professionals working in the mental health field. The four countries showed statistically significant differences with regards to the quality rights assessment tool. Participants from Italy reported, on average, the highest scores across the questions. There were also differences across the countries about the perception of the impact of available resources on the effectiveness of care (η2 = 0.106). CONCLUSION Our findings offer a useful insight into the perception of the quality of mental health services, especially from a users' rights point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosra Zgueb
- Department of Psychiatry A, Razi Hospital, La Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Antonio Preti
- Center for Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics, University Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Perra
- Center for Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics, University Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sofian El-Astal
- Department of Psychology, Al Azhar University-Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Cesar Ivan Aviles Gonzalez
- Center for Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics, University Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- Department of innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari,Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giorgia Testa
- Department of innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari,Cagliari, Italy
| | - Iskren Kirolov
- Department of Higher Education,European Association of Institutions in Higher Education, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Giorgio Tamburini
- Center for Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics, University Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Uta Ouali
- Department of Psychiatry A, Razi Hospital, La Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Goce Kalcev
- University Goce Delcev, Stip, North Macedonia
| | - Ferdinando Romano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviane Kovess
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Center for Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics, University Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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32
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Pifferi M, Bush A, Mariani F, Piras M, Michelucci A, Cangiotti A, Di Cicco M, Caligo MA, Miccoli M, Boner AL, Peroni D. Lung Function Longitudinal Study by Phenotype and Genotype in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Chest 2020; 158:117-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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33
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Carta MG, Moro MF, Piras M, Ledda V, Prina E, Stocchino S, Orrù G, Romano F, Brasesco MV, Freire RC, Nardi AE, Tondo L. Megacities, migration and an evolutionary approach to bipolar disorder: a study of Sardinian immigrants in Latin America. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 42:63-67. [PMID: 31269095 PMCID: PMC6986479 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2018-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To determine whether people with a Sardinian genetic background who live in the megacities of South America have a higher frequency of hypomania than residents of Sardinia. Methods: A community survey of Sardinian immigrants was carried out in four Brazilian metropoles (n=218) and Buenos Aires (n=306). The results were compared with those of a study involving a similar methodology (Mood Disorder Questionnaire [MDQ] as a screening tool) conducted in seven Italian regions, including a sub-sample from Sardinia. Results: There was a higher prevalence of lifetime hypomania among Sardinians living in the Brazilian metropoles than among those living in Sardinia. This result was also consistent with Sardinian immigrants in Buenos Aires. After stratification by sex and age, the lifetime prevalence of MDQ scores ≥ 8 among Sardinians in South-American megacities and Sardinia was 8.6% vs. 2.9%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The higher frequency of hypomania in migrant populations appears to favor an evolutionary view in which mood disorders may be a maladaptive aspect of a genetic background with adaptive characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro G Carta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria F Moro
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martina Piras
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vanessa Ledda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Prina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Serena Stocchino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Maria V Brasesco
- Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad del Museo Social Argentino, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rafael C Freire
- Instituto de Psiquiatria (IPUB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio E Nardi
- Instituto de Psiquiatria (IPUB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Tondo
- Centro Lucio Bini Cagliari, Cagliari/Rome, Italy.,McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Maisetta G, Grassi L, Esin S, Kaya E, Morelli A, Puppi D, Piras M, Chiellini F, Pifferi M, Batoni G. Targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Sputum of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Patients with a Combinatorial Strategy Having Antibacterial and Anti-Virulence Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010069. [PMID: 31861859 PMCID: PMC6981532 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) patients, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major opportunistic pathogen, frequently involved in chronic infections of the lower airways. Infections by this bacterial species correlates with a worsening clinical prognosis and recalcitrance to currently available therapeutics. The antimicrobial peptide, lin-SB056-1, in combination with the cation chelator ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), was previously demonstrated to be bactericidal against P. aeruginosa in an artificial sputum medium. The purpose of this study was to validate the anti-P. aeruginosa activity of such a combination in PCD sputum and to evaluate the in vitro anti-virulence effects of EDTA. In combination with EDTA, lin-SB056-1 was able to significantly reduce the load of endogenous P. aeruginosa ex vivo in the sputum of PCD patients. In addition, EDTA markedly reduced the production of relevant bacterial virulence factors (e.g., pyocyanin, proteases, LasA) in vitro by two representative mucoid strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from the sputum of PCD patients. These results indicate that the lin-SB056-1/EDTA combination may exert a dual antimicrobial and anti-virulence action against P. aeruginosa, suggesting a therapeutic potential against chronic airway infections sustained by this bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppantonio Maisetta
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.E.); (E.K.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-2213692; Fax: +39-050-2213711
| | - Lucia Grassi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.E.); (E.K.); (G.B.)
| | - Semih Esin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.E.); (E.K.); (G.B.)
| | - Esingül Kaya
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.E.); (E.K.); (G.B.)
| | - Andrea Morelli
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Dario Puppi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Martina Piras
- Section of Pneumology and Allergology, Unit of Pediatrics, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Federica Chiellini
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (D.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Massimo Pifferi
- Section of Pneumology and Allergology, Unit of Pediatrics, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Giovanna Batoni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.E.); (E.K.); (G.B.)
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Carta MG, Said M, Piras M, Moro MF. [An evolutionist approach of mood disorders from a transcultural perspective]. Encephale 2019; 45:530-532. [PMID: 30879780 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this paper is to verify if traits and symptoms defined as pathological and maladjusted in certain contexts may produce adaptive effects in other contexts, especially if they occur in sub-threshold forms. METHODS A historical examination of how the symptoms of depression have changed in front of great social changes and an analysis of Sardinian migrants' thymic profiles toward several metropolises. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Mood disorders have been increasing since the "English malady" in the 17th century, and we suppose that some forms of mood disorders might have an adaptive advantage. Otherwise, the increase of such an epidemic would have been self-limited. From a sociobiological point of view, it is highly probable that the environment of a rapidly evolving society can select people who are explorers and able to support accelerated biorhythms and that the condition of social change stimulates psychological and psychopathologic changes. It is also possible that hyperthymic persons modulate and create the new environment. If this model can explain the epidemic of mood disorders, its verification should guide future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Carta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italie
| | - M Said
- Razi Hospital, Faculty of medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - M Piras
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italie
| | - M F Moro
- Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University, New York, United States
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Sancassiani F, Romano F, Balestrieri M, Caraci F, Di Sciascio G, Drago F, Hardoy MC, Moro MF, Roncone R, Piras M, Preti A, Dell’Osso L, Faravelli C, Carta MG. The Prevalence of Specific Phobia by Age in an Italian Nationwide Survey: How Much Does it Affect the Quality of Life? Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2019; 15:30-37. [PMID: 30972140 PMCID: PMC6407652 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901915010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The study aimed to see if a community survey conducted by clinical interviewers with semi-structured psychiatric interviews shows lifetime prevalence rates of Specific Phobia (SP) similar to those found by surveys carried out by lay interviewers and if the high level of impairment found in SP may be confirmed. METHODS This is a community survey on an Italian nationwide sample randomly selected from registers of municipalities. Tools: semi-structured ANTAS psychiatric interview derived from the SCID-DSM-IV, carried out by clinicians (psychologists or physicians); Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) as a measure of Quality of Life (QoL). Analyses: means of the χ 2 test odds ratios were adopted to test several associations regarding SP prevalence. One-way ANOVA was used to compare different groups on attributable burden due to SP and/or other disorders in worsening QoL. RESULTS The lifetime prevalence of SP was 2.3%. No difference was found by age class. Females showed more than twice the frequency of males (p<0.0001). The disorders showing the closest association with SP were: social phobia (OR=17.53); general anxiety disorder (OR=11.57); anorexia (OR=11.13) and agoraphobia (OR=10.03), but also obsessive compulsive disorders (OR=8.8), eating disorders (OR=7.2), panic disorder (OR=5.9), post-traumatic stress disorder (OR=5.8), and major depressive disorder (OR=4.8) presented an association that achieved statistical significance. The QoL of people with SP and at least one disorder of anxiety, mood or eating in comorbidity, measured as a score at SF12, was worse than controls without SP (p <0.001) but that of people with SP without co-morbidity was not (p = 0.809). CONCLUSION An epidemiological study conducted by clinical interviewers through semi-structured interviews appears to re-dimension the impact of SP, at least from the public health perspective. Future prospective studies will better clarify the role of SP in the context of anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Filippo Caraci
- University of Catania,Catania,Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. Associazione Oasi Maria SS. ONLUS-Troina, Troina, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Francesca Moro
- University of Cagliari,Cagliari,Italy
- Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University,Columbia, NY, US
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Carta MG, Atzeni M, Perra A, Mela Q, Piras M, Testa G, Orrù G, Kirilov I. Cost-effectiveness of US National Institute of Health and European Union FP7 Projects on Active Ageing and Elderly Quality of Life-Author's reply. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2019; 15:10-14. [PMID: 30972137 PMCID: PMC6407663 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901915010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of bibliometric analysis to assess scientific productivity and impact is particularly relevant for EU funding programs. The objective of the present study is to assess the impact on scientific literature by focusing specifically on the cost-effectiveness of FP7 and NHI projects in the fields of AA and QoL, respectively. METHODS Twenty projects were randomly selected from the CORDIS database in accordance with the following criteria: funded by the FP7; accepted from 1st January 2007 to 31st December 2012; concluded by 31st August 2017;For each project selected, we determined: number of publications in Scopus and Google databases attributable to the project; number of papers published in Q1 quartile of the SCIMAGO rank; number of citations found in Scopus and Scholar Google; amount of funds allocated. RESULTS The study has confirmed the results of the previous one, namely that the number of publications and the number of citations per project on active ageing are similar in projects funded by the NHI in the United States and those funded by the FP7 in Europe. However, when it comes to cost-effectiveness, it results that European projects have a cost ten times higher than the Americans ones. CONCLUSION Our study shows lower cost-effectiveness of FP7-European projects than the American-NIH on active aging. The results of this research, albeit with the limits already outlined, will have to be taken into consideration in the evaluative research of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Atzeni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Perra
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Quirico Mela
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giorgia Testa
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Iskren Kirilov
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Gerosa C, Fanni D, Congiu T, Piras M, Cau F, Moi M, Faa G. Liver pathology in Wilson's disease: From copper overload to cirrhosis. J Inorg Biochem 2019; 193:106-111. [PMID: 30703747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Wilson's disease (WD) is a genetic metabolic disease strictly associated with liver cirrhosis. In this review, the genetic bases of the disease are discussed, with emphasis on the role of ATP7B (the Wilson disease protein) dysfunction as a determinant factor of systemic copper overload. Regarding the different multiple mutations described in WD patients, the peculiarity of Sardinian population is highlighted, Sardinians carrying a rare deletion in the promoter (5' UTR) of the WD gene. The role of epigenetic changes in the clinical presentation and evolution of liver disease in WD patients is also discussed, nutrition probably representing a relevantly risk factor in WD patients. The role of transmission electron microscopy in the diagnosis of WD-related liver disease is underlined. Mitochondrial changes, increased peroxisomes fat droplets, lipolysosomes and intranuclear glycogen inclusions are reported as the most frequent ultrastructural changes in the liver of WD carriers. The role of histochemical stains for copper is analyzed, and the Timm's method is suggested as the most sensitive one for revealing hepatic copper overload in all stage of WD. The marked variability of the histological liver changes occurring in WD is underlined simple steatosis may represent the only pathological changes, frequently associated with glycogenated nuclei. Mallory-Denk bodies lipogranulomas alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ending with bridging fibrosis and cirrhosis. Finally, the reversal of fibrosis as a possible therapeutic objective in WD is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathological, University of Cagliari AOU Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - D Fanni
- Division of Pathological, University of Cagliari AOU Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - T Congiu
- Division of Pathological, University of Cagliari AOU Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Piras
- Division of Pathological, University of Cagliari AOU Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - F Cau
- Division of Pathological, San Gavino Hospital, ATS, San Gavino, Italy
| | - M Moi
- Division of Pathological, University of Cagliari AOU Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Faa
- Division of Pathological, University of Cagliari AOU Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Carta MG, Moro MF, Pinna FL, Testa G, Cacace E, Ruggiero V, Piras M, Romano F, Minerba L, Machado S, Freire RC, Nardi AE, Sancassiani F. The impact of fibromyalgia syndrome and the role of comorbidity with mood and post-traumatic stress disorder in worsening the quality of life. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2018; 64:647-655. [PMID: 30146928 DOI: 10.1177/0020764018795211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim is to measure the association between fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood and anxiety disorders using reliable psychiatric diagnoses according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) and with a case-control design. METHODS: Case-control study with cases (71 consecutive female patients with FMS) and controls (284 subjects without FMS), randomly drawn after a gender- and age-matching technique from the database of an epidemiological survey. Psychiatric diagnoses were conducted according to DSM-IV and carried out by clinical staff using a structured interview (Advanced Neuropsychiatric Tools and Assessment Schedule). QoL was measured by Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD; 43.7% vs 8.1%, p < .0001), bipolar disorder (BD; 21.1% vs 0.7%, p < .0001), PTSD (8.4% vs 1.4%, p < .0001) and panic disorder (28.2% vs 5.6%, p < .001) was higher in people with FMS than in controls. People with FMS showed a poorer QoL than controls on the SF-12 (26.43 ± 6.04 vs 37.45 ± 5.80, p < .0001). Those with comorbidity with MDD and BD showed a mean SF-12 score of 24.75 ± 6.31 versus 29.52 ± 4.84 ( N = 25) of people with FMS without any mood disorder ( p = .002). The attributable burden of FMS in worsening QoL was found comparable to that of serious chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSION: FMS is a disorder that 'in itself' can have a devastating impact on an individual's life. The frequency of the association with major depressive and bipolar disorders increases the impact on the QoL of people with FMS. One of the causes of this association appears to be the extreme vulnerability to chronic stress that this disorder involves. The findings have important clinical significance: the physician must interpret in the right dimension and with dignity the suffering of the people with FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giovanni Carta
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Moro
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Laura Pinna
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giorgia Testa
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrico Cacace
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Ruggiero
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Minerba
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sergio Machado
- 3 Laboratory of Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,4 Physical Activity Neuroscience, Physical Activity Sciences Postgraduate Program- Salgado de Oliveira University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Rafael Christophe Freire
- 3 Laboratory of Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- 3 Laboratory of Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Federica Sancassiani
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Di Cicco M, Pistello M, Jacinto T, Ragazzo V, Piras M, Freer G, Pifferi M, Peroni D. Does lung microbiome play a causal or casual role in asthma? Pediatr Pulmonol 2018; 53:1340-1345. [PMID: 29943915 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.24086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood. The pathogenesis of asthma is multifactorial and is thought to include environmental factors interacting with genetics during pregnancy and in the first years of life. In the last decades, a possible role of gut microbiota in allergic disease pathogenesis has been demonstrated. Next generation sequencing techniques have allowed the identification of a distinct microbiome in the healthy lungs. The lung microbiome is characterized by the prevalence of bacteria belonging to the phylum Bacteroidetes (mostly Prevotella and Veilonella spp) in healthy subjects and to the phylum Proteobacteria in asthmatics (mostly Haemophilus, Moraxella, and Neisseria spp). In asthma, as well as in other diseases, the lung microbiome composition changes due to a disruption of the delicate balance between immigration and elimination of bacteria. The lung microbiome can interact with the immune system, thus influencing inflammation. Early infections with viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus, may alter lung microbiome composition favoring the emergence of Proteobacteria, a phylum which is also linked to severity of asthma and bronchial hyperreactivity. Lastly, antibiotics may alter the gut and lung microbiota and potentially disturb the relationship between microbiota and host. Therefore, antibiotics should be prescribed with increasing awareness of their potential harmful effect on the microbiota in young children with and without asthma. The potential effects of probiotics and prebiotics on lung microbiome are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Di Cicco
- Pulmonology and Allergology Section, Pediatrics Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Retrovirus Center and Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiago Jacinto
- CINTESIS-Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Porto Health School, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vincenzo Ragazzo
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Division, Women's and Children's Health Department, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- Pulmonology and Allergology Section, Pediatrics Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Freer
- Retrovirus Center and Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Pifferi
- Pulmonology and Allergology Section, Pediatrics Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Pulmonology and Allergology Section, Pediatrics Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
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Pifferi M, Bush A, Rizzo M, Tonacci A, Di Cicco M, Piras M, Maggi F, Paiola G, Michelucci A, Cangiotti A, Peroni D, Caramella D, Boner AL. Olfactory dysfunction is worse in primary ciliary dyskinesia compared with other causes of chronic sinusitis in children. Thorax 2018; 73:980-982. [PMID: 29490941 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2017-210661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Cilia have multiple functions including olfaction. We hypothesised that olfactory function could be impaired in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Olfaction, nasal nitric oxide (nNO) and sinus CT were assessed in patients with PCD and non-PCD sinus disease, and healthy controls (no CT scan). PCD and non-PCD patients had similar severity of sinus disease. Despite this, defective olfaction was more common in patients with PCD (P<0.0001) and more severe in patients with PCD with major Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) abnormalities. Only in classical PCD did olfaction inversely correlate with sinusitis and nNO. We speculate that defective olfaction in PCD is primary in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Pifferi
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrew Bush
- Imperial College and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michele Rizzo
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tonacci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Di Cicco
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Paiola
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Angela Michelucci
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Cangiotti
- Electron Microscopy Unit, University Hospital of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Caramella
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Attilio L Boner
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Pifferi M, Bush A, Caramella D, Metelli MR, Di Cicco M, Piras M, Gherarducci G, Capristo C, Maggi F, Peroni D, Boner AL. Matrix metalloproteinases and airway remodeling and function in primary ciliary dyskinesia. Respir Med 2017; 124:49-56. [PMID: 28284321 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) is important in the regulation of airway damage. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether they are important in the pathophysiology of primary and secondary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD, SCD). METHODS We measured sputum bacteriology, lung CT changes, MMPs, TIMPs and lung function in 86 patients (51 PCD, 35 SCD) in a cross-sectional study; the 10 controls studied did not have HRCT or sputum cultures. MMPs, TIMPs and lung function were evaluated longitudinally for up to one year in 38 PCD patients. RESULTS At baseline, there were no differences in MMPs, TIMPs and MMPs/TIMPs, between PCD and SCD but lower levels were found in controls. There was an association between poorer lung function with increasing levels of MMPs in PCD, while in SCD only MMP-9/TIMP-1 values correlated with FRC z-scores. Levels of MMPs and TIMPs significantly correlated with severity HRCT changes. Longitudinally, there were significant correlations between slope of changes in spirometric parameters and slope of change in sputum MMPs in PCD patients. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we report for the first time that increased MMPs are associated with worse airway damage in PCD and SCD, and thus are potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Pifferi
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Andrew Bush
- Imperial College and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Davide Caramella
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Metelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Di Cicco
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Gherarducci
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Capristo
- Visiting Professor at Department of Paediatrics, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy
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Piras M, Russo MC, De Ferrari F, Verzeletti A. Cyclists fatalities: Forensic remarks regarding 335 cases. J Forensic Leg Med 2016; 44:169-173. [PMID: 27810588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A retrospective study was carried out on post-mortem examination data regarding 335 cyclists involved in fatal accidents along the period 1983-2012. The following variables were considered: temporal data (year, month, day of the week and hour of the day), circumstances of the accident, vehicles involved, victims' features (sex, age), pathological and toxicological findings, cause of death. Most victims were male (77.62%), with a mean age of 58 years. In most cases vehicles other than only bicycles were involved, more frequently cars, followed by heavy motor vehicles. Head was the most frequently body region involved in lethal injuries (65.37%); low extremities were the body district most frequently involved in non-lethal injuries (63.9%). This study confirmed the importance of using helmet; head protection should be a priority for bikers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - M C Russo
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - F De Ferrari
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - A Verzeletti
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy.
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Piras AP, Preti A, Moro MF, Giua A, Sini G, Piras M, Pintus M, Pintus E, Manca A, Cannas G, Cossu G, Angermeyer MC, Carta MG. Does calling alcoholism an illness make a difference? The public image of alcoholism in Italy. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 166:39-44. [PMID: 27373185 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Using data from a population survey in two communities in the region of Sardinia, Italy, we examined the association between illness definition and attribution of personal characteristics to people with alcoholism. METHODS Quota samples, stratified by gender and age, were drawn from the general population (males: 48%; mean age 48±18; range: 15-90). A fully-structured interview was conducted face-to-face with 404 respondents. The assessment of the public view of 'alcoholics' was measured by their reactions to stimulus words rated on bipolar scales, and defined with adjectives with opposite meanings at each end. RESULTS 322 participants (80%) rated the 'alcoholic' as 'ill'. The definition of the 'alcoholic' as being ill showed a statistically higher odd of stigma across all the dimensions of personal attributes. CONCLUSIONS The expectation that people adopting the illness model would tend to blame less those afflicted for their condition and, consequently, stigmatize them less, was not confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Paola Piras
- Centro di Psichiatria e di Consultazione Psicosomatica Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari, Italy; Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Preti
- Centro di Psichiatria e di Consultazione Psicosomatica Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Maria Francesca Moro
- Centro di Psichiatria e di Consultazione Psicosomatica Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alice Giua
- Corso di Laurea in Tecnico della Riabilitazione Psichiatrica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Sini
- Corso di Laurea in Tecnico della Riabilitazione Psichiatrica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- Corso di Laurea in Tecnico della Riabilitazione Psichiatrica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirra Pintus
- Centro di Psichiatria e di Consultazione Psicosomatica Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Pintus
- Centro di Psichiatria e di Consultazione Psicosomatica Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Annaraffaela Manca
- Centro di Psichiatria e di Consultazione Psicosomatica Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Glenda Cannas
- Centro di Psichiatria e di Consultazione Psicosomatica Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matthias Claus Angermeyer
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Centro di Psichiatria e di Consultazione Psicosomatica Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari, Italy; Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Corso di Laurea in Tecnico della Riabilitazione Psichiatrica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Piras
- Istituto Zootecnico e Caseario per la Sardegna. Olmedo, Italy
| | - S. Ligios
- Istituto Zootecnico e Caseario per la Sardegna. Olmedo, Italy
| | - M. Sitzia
- Istituto Zootecnico e Caseario per la Sardegna. Olmedo, Italy
| | - N. Fois
- Istituto Zootecnico e Caseario per la Sardegna. Olmedo, Italy
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Lai M, Pifferi M, Bush A, Piras M, Michelucci A, Di Cicco M, del Grosso A, Quaranta P, Cursi C, Tantillo E, Franceschi S, Mazzanti MC, Simi P, Saggese G, Boner A, Pistello M. Gene editing ofDNAH11restores normal cilia motility in primary ciliary dyskinesia. J Med Genet 2016; 53:242-9. [DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Faa G, Marcialis MA, Ravarino A, Piras M, Pintus MC, Fanos V. Fetal programming of the human brain: is there a link with insurgence of neurodegenerative disorders in adulthood? Curr Med Chem 2015; 21:3854-76. [PMID: 24934353 DOI: 10.2174/0929867321666140601163658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, evidence is growing on the role played by gestational factors in shaping brain development and on the influence of intrauterine experiences on later development of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The nine months of intrauterine development and the first three years of postnatal life are appearing to be extremely critical for making connections among neurons and among neuronal and glial cells that will shape a lifetime of experience. Here, the multiple epigenetic factors acting during gestation - including maternal diet, malnutrition, stress, hypertension, maternal diabetes, fetal hypoxia, prematurity, low birth weight, prenatal infection, intrauterine growth restriction, drugs administered to the mother or to the baby - are reported, and their ability to modulate brain development, resulting in interindividual variability in the total neuronal and glial burden at birth is discussed. Data from recent literature suggest that prevention of neurodegeneration should be identified as the one method to halt the diffusion of neurodegenerative diseases. The "two hits" hypothesis, first introduced for PD and successfully applied to AD and other neurodegenerative human pathologies, should focus our attention on a peculiar period of our life: the intrauterine and perinatal periods. The first hit to our nervous system occurs early in life, determining a PD or AD imprinting to our brain that will condition our resistance or, alternatively, our susceptibility to develop a neurodegenerative disease later in life. In conclusion, how early life events contribute to late-life development of adult neurodegenerative diseases, including PD and AD, is emerging as a new fascinating research focus. This assumption implies that research on prevention of neurodegenerative diseases should center on events taking place early in life, during gestation and in the perinatal periods, thus presenting a new challenge to perinatologists: the prevention of neurodegenerative human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - V Fanos
- Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, Via Ospedale n. 56, 09100 CAGLIARI, Italy.
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Fanni D, Fanos V, Gerosa C, Piras M, Dessi A, Atzei A, Van EP, Gibo Y, Faa G. Effects of iron and copper overload on the human liver: an ultrastructural study. Curr Med Chem 2015; 21:3768-74. [PMID: 24934354 DOI: 10.2174/0929867321666140601163244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Iron and copper ions play important roles in many physiological functions of our body, even though the exact mechanisms regulating their absorption, distribution and excretion are not fully understood. Metal-related human pathology may be observed in two different clinical settings: deficiency or overload. The overload in liver cells of both trace elements leads to multiple cellular lesions. Here we report the main pathological changes observed at transmission electron microscopy in the liver of subjects affected by Beta-thalassemia and by Wilson's disease. The hepatic iron overload in beta-thalassemia patients is associated with haemosiderin storage both in Kupffer cells and in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Haemosiderin granules are grouped inside voluminous lysosomes, also called siderosomes. Other ultrastructural changes are fat droplets, proliferation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and fibrosis. Apoptosis of hepatocytes and infiltration of sinusoids by polymorphonucleates is also detected in beta-thalassemia. Ultrastructural changes in liver biopsies from Wilson's disease patients are characterized by severe mitochondrial changes, associated with an increased number of perossisomes, cytoplasmic lipid droplets and the presence of lipolysosomes, characteristic cytoplasmic bodies formed by lipid vacuoles surrounded by electron-dense lysosomes. In patients affected by Wilson's disease, nuclei are frequently involved, with disorganization of the nucleoplasm and with glycogen inclusions. On the contrary, no significant changes are detected in Kupffer cells. Our data show that iron and copper, even though are both transition metals, are responsible of different pathological changes at ultrastructural level. In particular, copper overload is associated with mitochondrial damage, whereas iron overload only rarely may cause severe mitochondrial changes. These differences underlay the need for further studies in which biochemical analyses should be associated with ultrastructural data, in order to better understand the molecular ways associated with iron- and copper-related pathology at subcellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - G Faa
- Pathologist, Department of surgical sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy and University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio", AOU Cagliari, Via Ospedale, 54, 09124 Cagliari.
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Pifferi M, Bush A, Michelucci A, Di Cicco M, Piras M, Caramella D, Mazzei F, Neri M, Pioggia G, Tartarisco G, Saggese G, Simi P, Boner AL. Mannose-binding lectin 2 gene polymorphism and lung damage in primary ciliary dyskinesia. Pediatr Pulmonol 2015; 50:179-86. [PMID: 24753481 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.23026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in innate immunity and has been reported to be associated with the age-related decline in lung function in cystic fibrosis. HYPOTHESIS MBL polymorphisms are associated with lung function decline in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). METHODS We performed sputum microbiology, spirometry pre- and post-administration of salbutamol, ciliary motion analysis, ultrastructural assessment of cilia, ciliogenesis in culture, and chest high resolution computed tomography in children with a clinical history of respiratory tract infections and/or presence of bronchiectasis suggestive of PCD or secondary ciliary dyskinesia (SCD). All subjects were evaluated for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding MBL-2. RESULTS The diagnosis of PCD was established in 45 subjects, while in the remaining 53 the diagnosis was SCD. A significant bronchodilator response was observed only in PCD associated with the MBL2-3 genotype, which is known to be associated with low/undetectable MBL serum levels. Also, bronchiectasis severity was significantly greater in subjects with MBL2-3 in both PCD and SCD. No other association was found between MBL genotypes and clinical findings. CONCLUSIONS MBL plays a relatively minor role as a disease modifier in PCD. A similar finding in SCD supports the likely significance of this result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Pifferi
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Pifferi M, Bush A, Montemurro F, Pioggia G, Piras M, Tartarisco G, Di Cicco M, Chinellato I, Cangiotti AM, Boner AL. Is the sensitivity of primary ciliary dyskinesia detection by ciliary function analysis 100%? Eur Respir J 2014; 42:1161. [PMID: 24081773 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00108613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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